Agility on the road

Hey! I’m back in the European ring after two and a half years of backpacking and judging around the world. In this solo episode, I’m taking you for a walk through the Finnish forest to talk about why I actually had to take such a long break and the burnout that left me unable to even get out of bed.I’m sharing what was on my mind while judging in Finland—the feedback that made me think about my "why," the mystery of the Flow state, and the energy we bring to our dogs.Are we entering the ring afraid of mistakes, or are we ready to just go wild and chase that addicted feeling where nothing else exists? This is just me, being honest about the journey and why I’ll always design courses that make us move our asses.Are you ready to chase the flow? Let’s go.Thank you for listening ❤️P.S. My new Masterclass FUN TO COURSEDESIGN is almost ready – everything I’ve learned in all these years. Details coming soon on website: https://agilityontheroad.com/⁠ and in the monthly newsletter https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/⁠ if you want to be the first to know.Have a lovely day,Vendula

In this episode of Agility on the Road, I’m joined by Greek judge, trainer, and competitor Elpida Ismael.We talk about her life in Athens and her rapid evolution since she started judging in 2023, covering the real-talk version of her journey—from the challenges of training and overcoming her fear of flying to the lessons learned through the successes and hardships of 2025. It was almost unbelievable how much her story mirrored my own experiences from a few years ago, making this a deeply personal conversation about the grit it takes to follow your dreams.It is a talk about embracing change and finding genuine joy in the journey, even when life gets unpredictable.Thank you for listening ❤️See more of our life on the road:Website: https://agilityontheroad.com/⁠Newsletter (Behind-the-scenes stories): ⁠https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/⁠Have a lovely day,Vendula

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Raul Molina from Guatemala. We explore the vibrant world of agility in Guatemala, looking back at his humble beginnings in the sport—back when obstacles were just PVC pipes and passion.Raul shares how his background in gymnastics and his deep experience with herding have shaped his approach to training. We laughed a lot during this recording, and I truly believe this episode will bring a spark to your day and a smile to your face.We wrap things up with a high-stakes, "universe-approved" deal: when Agility finally makes it to the Olympic Games, we’re meeting there to compete! So, take a relaxed moment and join us for this sweet conversation.Thank you for listening ❤️Connect with Raul & Support his Projects:Raul's Family Coffee: https://www.guatemalascoffee.com/Agility Barn: https://www.instagram.com/agilitybarnUnityu Canina (Training & Recreation Center): https://www.instagram.com/unityucaninaPastoreo Guatemala (Herding Club): https://www.instagram.com/pastoreoguatemalaSee more of our life on the road:Website: https://agilityontheroad.com/⁠Newsletter (Behind-the-scenes stories): ⁠https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/⁠Have a lovely day,Vendula

In this episode, I sit down with the legendary Jan Egil Eide to discuss the incredible journey of agility from the early nineties to the modern era. Jan shares his memories from competing at the highest level—including the AWC and EO—and how he transitioned into judging with a mission to influence the sport for the better. He was one of those truly influential figures who helped bring more of that "flow" into the courses we see nowadays—and I want to say a huge THANK YOU to him for that!We talk as well about his experiences, judging everything from tiny local trials to the biggest stage of the AWC in Austria 2022. Our talk covered much more and felt so natural, almost like if we were sitting together over tea and not even recording a podcast! So, take a relaxed moment, and join us for this sweet conversation.Thank you for listening <3 Jan Egil's agility run with Circus at AWC 2008 we promised to share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwiezTZAf-E See more of our life on the road:Website: https://agilityontheroad.com/Newsletter for more behind-the-scenes stories from our travels and agility adventures: https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/Have a lovely day,Vendula

In this episode, I am sharing a bit of my personal agility journey. This part is about my very beginnings and my very first competition experiences. Back then, I was a 13-year-old training and competing with my first agility dog—and my very first "dream" dog—a small black schnauzer named Arnie.Arnie loved to train, and he especially loved the cooked chicken I used for treats. He loved a familiar environment and chill vibes in general, but he did not like the stress of competition, the arousal around the ring, or even traveling by car to get there. Competing was definitely not his favorite activity, and he was actively looking for ways to let me know.It took me a while to understand that he really meant it seriously. I cried a lot during that time and felt so much frustration, but I still had this deep belief that the "click" would come at the next competition. I am sharing the "funny lessons" he gave me at the very beginning of my journey. Even though it was painful for young me, I believe those moments helped shape my understanding and support for almost any situation that can happen on the field—and I have seen a lot of them.See more of our life on the road: Website: https://agilityontheroad.com/Newsletter for more behind-the-scenes stories from our travels and agility adventures: https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/Have a good one, Vendula

Welcome to part two of my conversation with Chexo from Colombia!If you haven't listened to part one yet, go back and start there – but this episode stands beautifully on its own, too.In this conversation, we delve into the agility scene in Colombia – how it's expanding with over 20 clubs across the country, primarily located in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. Chexo also shares about his travels to Panama, where he teaches agility several times a year.Here's something fascinating – the connection between dance and agility. Cali is the world salsa capital, and that rhythm Colombians have in their DNA actually helps them in the ring. Did you know that aunties teach children to dance from a very young age? That natural sense of movement translates beautifully into agility.We discuss the differences between Latin America and Europe – notably, the absence of indoor training, varying obstacle quality, and the use of music during competitions, which creates an incredible atmosphere. But what really touched me is when we get into mindset and heartset, and Chexo shares deep thoughts about what really matters in agility beyond clean runs and placements.This conversation reminded me why we all fell in love with this sport in the first place.Special offer for my listeners: Use discount code "Vendula10" for 10% off any Natural Pet Care System products at https://vendula.naturalpetcaresystem.comSign up to my Agility on the road monthly Newsletter for more behind-the-scenes stories from my travels and agility adventures https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/

Another sweet conversation, and I'm so happy to share it with you.I sat down with Sergio Gómez, also known as Chexo, an agility enthusiast from Colombia, to talk about his journey into this sport we all love so much.We discuss cultural perceptions and Chexo's personal journey from childhood to becoming a passionate agility trainer. We dive into his agility beginnings – that magical first moment when agility captures you and you just know that this is it. Chexo shares his experiences with his dogs, particularly Nuki, and reflects on his unique lifestyle living in a shipping container while pursuing his passion for agility.But this conversation goes beyond just agility. We talk about life choices – the path he took to follow his passion, the challenges he faced along the way, and what it really means to build a life around what you love.If you've ever wondered what it takes to truly follow your dreams, even when the path isn't easy, I think Chexo's story will resonate with you.This is part one of two episodes with Chexo – so stay tuned for more!Special offer for my listeners: Use discount code "Vendula10" for 10% off any Natural Pet Care System products at vendula.naturalpetcaresystem.comSign up to my Agility on the road monthly Newsletter for more behind-the-scenes stories from my travels and agility adventures https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/

Welcome back to the VendaVan! In this episode, I'm joined by Alejandro Salas, a well-known agility judge, trainer, and competitor from Spain. We met at the Slovakian Championship in Pezinok, and Alejandro graciously agreed to step out of his comfort zone and chat with me in English—even though Spanish is his forte!We dive into Alejandro's agility journey, from competitor to international judge, and explore the exciting evolution of Spanish agility. Alejandro shares why the sport is improving by leaps and bounds in Spain and reveals a surprising fact—there are actually more men than women competing in Spanish agility! We also talk about emotions, which are such a big part of the Spanish nature and, of course, agility itself.But behind every judge traveling the world is a support system, and Alejandro beautifully shares about his wife—the true hero who takes care of their two-legged and four-legged family while he's out making his judging dreams come true.A huge thank you to Alejandro for his openness and willingness to refresh his English for this conversation. Muchas gracias!Special offer for my listeners: Use discount code "Vendula10" for 10% off any Natural Pet Care System products at vendula.naturalpetcaresystem.comSign up to my Agility on the road monthly Newsletter for more behind-the-scenes stories from my travels and agility adventures https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/

What drives someone to dedicate their life to improving pet health naturally? In this special episode, I sit down with Andras, co-founder of Natural Pet Care System, to hear his incredible journey from idea to creating a company that's changing how we care for our four-legged family members.As their ambassador, I was excited to dive deep into Andras's personal story - what inspired him to start this company and his mission to help dogs and cats live healthier, happier lives through natural supplements.We explore all four of their products - Burgimmune, Flexi, Fortflex, and Multivitamin - discussing when and why each one can make a difference, whether you're looking at prevention or supporting healing.We also talk about their upcoming webinar on Monday, September 29th, 2025, 7-9pm CEST, where you can learn even more about natural approaches to pet health. Find all the information on the Facebook event page HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/2277837812630494/?ti=ls - and don't forget to sign up to get a 20% discount!I'm currently using Burgimmune and Multivitamin for my 6-month-old puppy Sisu and my 14-year-old senior Eliot, and I'm really happy with how these natural supplements are supporting their health at different life stages.Special offer for my listeners: Use discount code "Vendula10" for 10% off any Natural Pet Care System products at https://vendula.naturalpetcaresystem.comThe best part? You can combine both discounts for a total of 30% off!Sign up to my Agility on the road monthly Newsletter for more behind-the-scenes stories from my travels and agility adventures https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/

What draws someone to build a life in one of America's most remote places? In this episode, I sit down with Michaela in her kitchen in Fairbanks, Interior Alaska, for my second visit to the Last Frontier.We explore Michaela's personal journey – what brought her to Alaska and what keeps her there against all odds. From navigating months of darkness to extreme weather conditions, we discover what dog agility looks like when your training season is defined by Alaska's harsh realities.This conversation shows not just the challenges of doing our sport in such a remote place, but what it really takes to create an agility community in the wilderness.I recorded this in Michaela's cozy kitchen, with all that Alaskan wilderness right outside her windows. This is a story of determination, community, and finding home in the most unexpected places.Powered by vendula.naturalpetcaresystem.comSign-up to my Agility on the road monthly Newsletter for more behind-the-scenes stories from my travels and agility adventures https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/